Monday, December 13, 2010

~ Monday Musings ~

Photo Copyright 2009 Alycia W. Morales
 
 As we draw near to Christmas day, my thoughts are turning more and more to the Word of God and His plan for humankind. I love to read and re-read the Christmas story, searching for gold nuggets hidden within the words. What new Rhema can I draw from the crinkled pages of my Bible?
 
This morning, as I read Simeon's prophecy of blessing over the newborn Messiah, the following passage caught my eye:
"Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:34-35)
 
When I considered what he was saying, I remembered that Jesus came so our sins might be forgiven. But how do we know what our sins are? Because He also came to reveal the thoughts of many hearts. Every one of us knows - via our conscience - whether what we think, say, or do is right or wrong. We make a choice to walk in obedience or to ignore the Truth every minute of every day. How? Because God sent Jesus to reveal the hearts of men. 
 
Proverbs 20:11 reads, "Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right." If we can look at a child and know he's acting out or walking in obedience, we can certainly discern within ourselves what the Holy Spirit reveals as pure and right motivation or selfish motivation. 
 
The saving grace? It's found in John 3:16-17. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Don't stop reading there, though... "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
 
Feeling condemned this Christmas season? Relatives angry and frustrated? Someone not coming due to offense? Feeling guilty over spending that extra $50 on a gift or two? Maybe you're like me, and there's something sinful in your life that's been eating at you for the past month... Remember: God didn't send Jesus to condemn the world. When He reveals what's hidden in your heart, allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you, knowing that God loved you and sent Jesus that you might be saved.  

1 comment:

  1. Great post Alicia...and I was reading in Revelation today, so it was not uplifting!

    Thanking God for His atoning sacrifice on Calvary!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for sharing your thoughts here at My Thoughtful Spot! I love hearing them!